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Illinois Governor Vetoes Plastic Bag Bill
In a move applauded by environmentalists, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has vetoed a bill that would have prevented most municipalities in Illinois from banning single-use plastic bags. The legislation, which was supported by plastic bag manufacturers, also had the goal of increasing collection and recycling programs in the state, although critics argued the bill was not a long-term solution. "Let's not tie the hands of innovative Illinois municipalities that are laboratories of reform for Illinois," Quinn said, in a statement. "While well-intentioned, this legislation is a roadblock to innovation that would do little to boost recycling in Illinois. We can do better."

The measure received national headlines for two reasons: first, because it uniquely attempted to ban single-use plastic bag bans and secondly because a 13-year-old girl named Abby Goldberg led a successful petition drive to defeat the legislation. Over 170,000 people in Illinois signed the petition, which was acknowledged by Quinn when he recently called Goldberg to tell her about the veto. "I couldn't sit by quietly while big plastic tried to push this bill through my state," Goldberg said. "I care too much about animals, our environment, and our future natural resources to be silent. That's why I took action."

The governor's decision was not well-received by the American Chemistry Council (ACC), which has lobbied across the country to limit single-use plastic bag bans. "America's plastics makers are deeply disappointed that Governor Quinn has chosen to veto the Plastic Bag and Film Recycling Act – a common-sense measure supported by government and industry alike," said Steve Russell, vice president of the ACC's plastics division.

The ACC has been especially active in its efforts in California, which leads the nation in the number of communities with single-use plastic bag bans. The ACC received good news last week, though, when in the final day of its legislative session, California's Senate did not act on a bill that would have banned single-use plastic bags statewide.

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August Hiring Ticks Downward
A new survey shows that hiring at American small businesses fell slightly during the month of August. Data from the SurePayroll Small Business Scorecard, released last week, reports that month-over-month hiring was down 0.1% in August and the average paycheck was down 0.2%. Nationwide, year-over-year hiring through August is down 1.5% and paychecks are down 1.4%.

According to the survey from SurePayroll, a payroll outsourcing firm, optimism among small business owners in August was 60%, which was down slightly from 62% in July. The SurePayroll optimism survey also found that among the respondents, 82% of small business owners did not seek lending in 2012. Of those that did, only 32% had difficulty securing lending. "For a long time, the banks have taken a beating for not lending enough to small businesses, but this data suggests the banks may not be the problem," said Michael Alter, SurePayroll's president and CEO. "There's simply not enough demand in the economy. Many small businesses don't have a reason to spend. Those businesses that do aren't having a problem getting loans."

In its survey, SurePayroll analyzes hiring data within the 35 largest metro markets in the U.S. Raleigh-Durham, NC, led the report with a 1.5% increase in its hiring index in August, while Pittsburgh, PA, was the market laggard after showing a 4.5% hiring index decrease in the month. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics will release its August jobs report this Friday.

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The Joe Show: Mixed Bag Of New Products
In this episode of The Joe Show, Managing Editor Joe Haley shows off some new products perfect for a variety of promotional campaigns. Looking to tap into the live-event market with a clever new item? How about a unique desk accessory that is sure to capture attention? Check out the video for creative applications for five useful items.

ASI Radio: Political Conventions Showcase Promo Products
On today’s Tuesday Morning Show, the hosts discussed the best – and worst – promo items found at the Republican and Democratic conventions. We even spoke to one supplier responsible for many items on display this week in Charlotte, NC. Plus, we shared our Favorite Things, offered strategies for converting leads into sales, and debated how companies should respond to negative reviews online.

If you missed the show, a recording is now available at www.asicentral.com/radio. And, don’t forget to join us for our next broadcast – Tuesday, September 11. Log on at 10:30 a.m. ET to listen to the show – and give us a call at (215) 953-4979 to hear your voice on the air.

Counselor's How-To Minute: Generate Sales Leads In a video report, Counselor presents a business strategy video each week that focuses on how distributor firms can overcome a specific challenge, make a key decision or rise to the occasion on an opportunity in front of them. In this episode: How to find sales leads.

What are the best events to find prospects? Are local networking groups a benefit or just a drain on your time? Is there an effective way to attract local business leaders to your shop? Check out the video for information you can use.

In a quick, minute-long video, Counselor Senior Editor Dave Vagnoni walks viewers through three simple steps they can take to build their book of potential clients. Click here to watch.

Call for Nominations: Best Supplier Sales Rep of the YearSupplier Global Resource is holding its 3rd annual Supplier Sales Rep of the Year contest to recognize outstanding performance, exemplary service and top-notch professionalism.

Distributors, do you work with a supplier sales rep who's gone above and beyond for you this year? Do you have a supplier partner who always puts you and your customers' needs first and has a "do whatever it takes" attitude to make you shine? If you know the perfect contender, e-mail the nominee's name and details regarding what makes him or her award-worthy to Michele Bell (mbell@asicentral.com), editor of Supplier Global Resource, by Friday, September 14, 2012.

Counselor Live Chat: Recruiting Top Sales Talent
Looking to get a competitive edge in hiring the very best salespeople? Debating whether to add an industry veteran or a promising outsider? Thinking about moving away from more traditional commission models? Counselor held a live chat last week focused on recruiting the best salespeople possible.
An recording of the chat, complete with distributor questions and expert responses is archived now on our website. Visit www.asicentral.com/counselorchat to view the archive of last week’s chat, or to see any chat archive from the past year. It’s full of business advice and strategies. Check it out now at www.asicentral.com/counselorchat.

Submit For The Wearables Apparel Design Awards
You’ve designed the best apparel in the business or created the most stunning decorations. Now it’s time to get recognized for your work. Wearables magazine is now accepting submissions for its annual Wearables Apparel Design Awards. Suppliers, distributors and decorators are encouraged to nominate worthy industry garments in a number of different categories.

In The News
Gemline (asi/56070) announced that it will be the authorized supplier of bobble-branded filtered water bottles within the ad specialty industry in the United States and Canada. Bobble is part of the company’s holiday product launch and will be available for purchase on October 1.

Incentive Gift Card Council has announced its 2012 Holiday Gift Card Drive partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). The drive began on July 1 and will end on November 30, 2012, and the goal is $30,000 in gift cards to be donated to the WWP.

InnerWorkings Inc. (asi/168860) announced that CFO Joseph M. Busky will present at CL King Best Ideas Conference on September 13 in New York, and CEO Eric Belcher will present at the Credit Suisse Small/Mid Cap Conference on September 20 in New York.

PPAChicago announced that the chosen recipients of the company’s Annual Charity Golf Outing were The Anti-Cruelty Society, submitted by Michael Grossman, and Concordia Place, submitted by George Curran.

People On The Move
Bag Makers (asi/37940) announced that new specialists Sheila Meister, Carla Horvat, Cheryl Keenan, Maria Olsen, Brianna Johnson, Janelle Jansen and Stephanie Niedzwiedzki have completed their training for the Customer Care team and are now serving customers.

CleggPromo (asi/45450) announced that Derrick Blanchette has been promoted to national sales manager for the company’s Point of Purchase division.

Crown Products (asi/47700) announced that Amy Norwood has joined the company as a factory representative, and will be responsible for outside sales in the Gulf Coast region.

HALO Branded Solutions (asi/35600) announced that Chris Piper has been named vice president of sales for the Pacific Northwest region, and will be responsible for sales growth in WA, OR and northern CA.

SnugZ/USA (asi/88060) has partnered with Midwest multiline representative Rod Williamson of Drake Marketing, who will cover the states of KS, MO, IA and NE.

The ASI Virtual Trade Show is the most cost- and time-efficient way to prepare for a strong fourth quarter. Register today for FREE at www.asivirtualtradeshow.com for the ASI Virtual Trade Show, September 12!